eventinelysplayground

[eventinelysplayground]

Reminders for fanfic writers who think it “doesn’t count”

✦ Your writing counts. like, a lot. If someone felt something because of what you wrote, then it matters. That scene you almost didn’t post? Yeah. Believe me, someone out there bookmarked it for a reason.

✦ Writing existing characters doesn’t make it “less than.” You’re building arcs, crafting dialogue, emotion, pacing. You’re studying character psychology like a scientist. That’s not “just fanfic,” that’s storytelling.

✦ “but it’s just fanfic” ...no. STOP, it’s craft. It’s understanding tone. It’s hitting emotional beats. It’s layering theme and backstory and prose into something people feel. You’re doing the work, you just don’t get graded on it. (Which, honestly is a blessing.)

✦ Writing fanfic means you love stories enough to live inside them. You care, deeply. You care enough to reimagine, to explore, to add something of yourself to a world you didn’t create and somehow still make it feel brand new.

✦ Someone out there rereads your fic like it’s their favorite book. Maybe they’ve saved a line to their notes app,or they quote it to a friend. Maybe they just think about it when they’re having a bad day. That little fic you almost deleted, it’s comfort now.

✦ Your comments section is real. Every “I needed this” and “this made me cry in a good way” is proof, you don’t need a book deal to matter. You don’t need a publisher to have an impact, because you already do.

FANFIC IS WRITING! Fanfic is yours.

You’re not “just” anything. You’re a writer, own it. Be proud of that.

[eventinelysplayground]

[eventinelysplayground]

The Burdens of a King

So this fic was inspired from a few different things. Mainly I was rereading Keith's route and when I got to this part I found myself wondering about what the King was thinking/feeling. Tied to that there was a post very long ago now talking about all the kings and saying how they're all terrible but there's still hope for the king of Jade. Those two, combined along with the why did he never remarry question, and I thought what if the King's motives aren't what they appear. So that's what I wrote, it had originally been longer but I did a lot of trimming of stuff I can put into other fics and it's still super long. I present to you the King of Jade's POV for end of chapter 23 start of chapter 24 from Keith's dramatic route. Some swearing, WC just over 3k.

“Ugh.”

What is all that racket?

The fog from the poison still clouded his mind but no royal survived this long without instinctively knowing those sounds. The old king carefully dragged himself from his bed and reached for his broadsword. He clutched the weapon firmly despite the way his body screamed out, closing his eyes he let out a deep breath.

The bastard couldn't even wait for the poison to finish me off I see. Oh well maybe I can drag him to hell with me then…now!

Years of experience and practice had honed his skills and he swung. The sound of metal clashing against metal rang out overloud in the quiet, the king's eyes flew open staring daggers at his target.

What the hell is this failure doing here! Don't tell me it was actually all true? No, he's not stupid enough for that…so then.

As the Kings thoughts weaved themselves down different paths and possibilities the fighting continued. Until he was satisfied he had a grasp on what was happening he would keep his opponent busy. He may be old and at a disadvantage but he couldn't afford to misstep now, too much was riding on what would happen here tonight.

The room looked like a battlefield with broken furniture and pottery strewn about the floor. Another blocked swing but this time his body had pushed too far and he collapsed to knees in a coughing fit.

I would have liked more time but it will have to do.

“If this goes on any longer, you really will die. You haven't fully recovered yet, have you?”

You always did like to talk, suppose I should currently be thankful for that.

“And who's fault do you think that is, you fool?”

This better not be a waste of my time, I don't have much of it left.

“I brought the antidote."

“So you're a bad liar as well as a failure. There's no treatment for this.”

That eccentric pain in the ass would have found one if there was.

“Didn't you know? I’ve been aware all along of the risks that poison posed, and I funded the development of an antidote, just in case.”

Well…you are oddly fond of that eccentric, you get that from your mother. Nobody else could put up with Yule like that. Even then you don't have the knowl-

“The herbalist who was helping me develop it suddenly went missing partway through, so I had to take over and continue the work alone…But even a failure like me is capable of producing an experimental antidote.”

Missing I'm sure. I have to admire Fernan, he really is quite clever, too bad his ego’s the size of all of Jade.

The King scoffed internally as he thought about his younger brother. Oh he was well aware of what was going on behind the scenes but many years ago he had been forced into a game and he moved carefully ever since hoping for the outcome that for many years now had seemed impossible, until tonight anyways.

“And you expect me to believe that?”

Show me what you've accomplished, all the years after Tio died, pushing you then trying to protect you when pushing didn't work. Prove to me that they weren't a waste!

“I'm not good at subtlety, so I'll just get straight to the point. First of all, I'm not the one who tried to poison you. It was Fernan.”

The King sighed internally.

Any idiot with half a brain cell could figure that out boy! You need to damn well do better or else what did you come here for?

“What baseless nonsense. Isn't it enough that you've tried to kill me? Are you so jealous of Fernan's brilliance that you'd kill him, too?”

The King's words were firm and outwardly appeared unkind but deep down they were anything but.

You've always been too soft, a child like you had no place being born into royalty. It's a horrible and dangerous life where one wrong move will cost if not your life…

The King's thoughts traveled back to a small boy with a bright smile.

You need to do better Keith!

“He’s tried to kill me multiple times.”

Yes and yet you're still here. Now why are you still here?

“Learn your place.”

“I've been trying to, my whole life. Why are you always so quick to believe your brother's words, yet you refuse to listen to a single thing your son says?”

You honestly think I believe anything that comes out of that bastards mouth? I'm a better actor than I thought…

“...But thinking back, you've always been like, ever since that day.”

Yes…that day the game changed for good, bloody Fernan dragging the two of you into it, you all were much too young to play.

“You just arbitrarily decided that I was the one who did it, without even considering any of the other possibilities.”

You really are a fool! It's not that I didn't consider the other possibilities, it's because I did consider them.

“What the hell did I ever do to you!”

Those words were the first that had hurt the king in many years, had he not already been on his knees he would have collapsed to them for sure.

Oh my son, the only thing you ever did was be born too good hearted. Even in the best of countries royalty and nobility will eat each other alive and in the worst well…what that monster did to his family. What our own ancestors have done to each other. Fernan's not the first of his kind, just the most recent.

The King looked at his son and saw the fire burning in his eyes. He studied them for a long time, trying to decide something, as the silence dragged on.

I need to know you can do this Keith.

“A claim means nothing without proof, if you're going to be that insistent, than you have to prove that you're not the criminal-”

Another coughing fit racked his body bringing blood with it, and the King doubled over again.

I've always been ridiculously healthy but this time it seems it won't save me.

The King saw Keith rush towards him, calling out, but he raised his hand.

I don't want your kindness…

“Stay back!”

I want you to show me who exactly have you become! A flower to be trampled underfoot or a weed who will persist even through the harshest of circumstances?

“If you drink the antidote, you should feel at least a little better. I've tested it on myself.”

Why are you always doing that? At least Yule tests her concoctions on other people what is wrong with you!

“Stop spouting nonsense. A failure like you could never make anything like that.”

Now show me something damn it, we're running out of time!

The King was becoming frustrated and the never ending circle they seemed to be caught in but before he could say anything else another voice spoke up.

“Prince Keith, do you have multiples of the antidote?”

“Hmm? I do but…”

“Very well.”

“Emma?!”

The King watched as the young woman who had slipped in after his son swiped the bag from him and rummaged around it for a vile. He'd paid no attention to her before as clearly posed no threat. Pulling out a vile at random she unstoppered it and immediately made a face but then steeled herself and drank down the contents, the clear dislike for the taste showing on her face.

Hahaha another one! Where did you ever find this young lady?

“Emma, what are you doing! You don't even know what side effects-”

“But now I've at least proven that it's not poison. And it's not like you're going to risk your life and sneak into the palace just to force the king to take an antidote that's not even going to help him! You're not that reckless and you're not that stupid either.”

The King took in the scene before him, a small smile crossing his lips for the briefest of moments.

Well now…

The young woman began admonishing the king, calling out his supposed biases and talking about the good things Keith had done for his kingdom, for its people. She questioned if he knew of his own son's accomplishments and asked indirectly if he was blind to reality. Normally somebody talking down to royalty like that would be cause to be thrown in a cell at best but the King was laughing on the inside. As he watched the young woman becoming more worked up and defiant a picture came to mind of another young woman, one who was ‘rude’ and with a questionable taste in friends.

Interesting…

The King stared at the young woman, emanating all the power and force that came naturally to true born kings through his gaze. The young woman didn't waver, instead she held his gaze. The most interesting thing though wasn't the woman's reactions but his sons.

“Prince Keith?”

Keith had moved to stand in front of the young lady protectively.

Very interesting…

“…Who is this rude woman?”

“You're the one who's rude, stop staring so nastily.”

“Keith, you do you think you're-”

“I'm talking to you, obviously. I won't let anyone threaten her, not even you."

Finally.

“She's…she's very special to me.”

Ahhh, well the apple didn't fall very far from the tree I see.

The King used the silence to briefly study the young lady, not bothering to hide his expression.

Yes yet…this does bring its own set of problems, but I wonder…just how much has she accomplished with you?

“I understood things clearly when I went to Rhodolite. I'm not very competent at all compared to the other princes. And without any sort of recognizable talent, I'm just a weed that can wield a sword.”

“Prince Keith.”

“...No, I guess there might be a few things I'm capable of.”

Really?

The King's internal question was not from lack of faith in his son as many may have believed, but rather from the fact his son had never believed in himself.

The young lady quickly spoke, extolling some of Keith's many virtues in her, and others, eyes while the king listened intently.

“I feel like the me I know and the me you know are entirely different people.”

“Thats just because you aren't aware of who you are.”

That's stating the obvious…

“But you know what my original duty was at the palace. I'm confident that I'm better at judging people than anyone you know.”

So that rumor was correct?

Along with Fernan's ‘creditable’ rumor of an arms deal between Rhodolite and Obsidian the King of Jade had heard another rumor, one from his own trusted spy about the death of a king and a new young noblewoman. He had sent his son to Rhodolite under the guise of the former but in the hopes that if the later rumor proved to be true perhaps Belle could teach him even the smallest thing about himself, repair enough of the damage he'd done in his misguided attempts to help his son survive.

That womanizer really is dead, can't say I'm sorry to hear it. He became such a disgrace…though I became no better really.

The King took no time for self pity and focused his keen gaze on his son. It was clear the effect the young lady's words had on him.

“I guess you're right. And if you're certain, I guess maybe I am the strongest weed there is.”

There is nothing more tenacious than a weed my son.

“After I met Emma, I started to re-examine myself, and I realized something.”

Outwardly the king showed no reaction but internally he was holding his breath.

“I love this kingdom, and its people, and the way it overflows with life and energy and nature. And that's the reason I've been able to stand tall as a prince all this time, no matter how much people curse me and tell me I'm a failure. If I let Fernan have his way here and now, the kingdom is going to fall into chaos.”

So you are aware of that much.

“The nobles and their selfish interests will be prioritized, and the weak will be oppressed by the powerful.”

As they are in other countries and as they were in this one long ago. That is a part of the cruelty of royalty, and one of the main reasons a King needs an abnormal strength to him. One can not afford to be too kind or lenient lest they be overrun from those closest to them.

“I can't let that happen to Jade. I love this kingdom too much for that.”

Those words settled in the King's chest, he too loved this kingdom but…

And what happens when you love something more than it, what then Keith?

The King thought of his children, of that fateful day…

Will you be able to make the necessary choices and sacrifices for it? Will you choose the kingdom over all else? I am much stronger than you and yet in the end I was willing to let it all fade away if needed to preserve what I love more…

“That's why I want to be the king. I can't let Fernan steal the throne away. And I can't stand the idea of being ruined by this absurd plot of his. This family conflict is pointless, and it's gone on for too many years, and I want to end it today.”

There are many things that are pointless when you rule a-

The King's thoughts were cut off as he was dragged to his feet by his collar.

“And most of all…You're my father before you're my king. I don't want to go through the pain of losing a family member ever again!”

The King stared at his son who stared back at him with a faint determination in his eyes he hadn't seen before.

Well you certainly have changed in your short time in Rhodolite, but is it enough?

The King continued to stare at his son pondering over his options when suddenly Keith released him.

“Emma!”

The King watched as Keith caught the young lady before she finished falling. Keith cradled her tenderly in his arms as he held her to his chest and a pang of longing passed through the King's heart.

“...That's why you can't go gulping down random medicine without asking about the side effects.”

With that tendency definitely do not leave her alone with Yule, the Gods only know what sort of trouble she'd cause with such a trusting guinea pig. That said…

“That has an extremely potent soporific effect. She certainly was quick to drink it down in one gulp, despite knowing it was experimental.”

“She did it for me, and for you. She's ridiculously kind.”

Just as you are. Hmmm…

“...Is she Rhodolitian?”

The King was already well aware she was just from listening when she spoke to Keith but he needed to know just how much his son had grown and this question would lead him there.

“That's right. She's here in Jade because one of Fernan's nobles kidnapped her.”

Oh yes just turn it all into an international incident dear brother! For somebody who's normally so intelligent that certainly was an idiotic move in more ways than one.

“...Why?”

“I just told you how special she is to me, didn't I?”

“So they wanted to use her to control you.”

“Most likely.”

At least you're aware of it.

The King watched as Keith gently leaned Emma against a wall and covered her with his cloak.

“And it wasn't just this once, either. She got caught up in this before, when they attacked my carriage while I was in Rhodolite.”

And it will not stop there I'm afraid, by gaining your favor her life is forever-

“I'm the one who selfishly went and fell in love with her. I'm not going to let that be the reason I lose her. Just this one, just once in my life, would you be willing to trust me, and listen to me?”

I'm glad to see you're finally thinking of everything ahead, and that you're willing to protect her so fiercely, to take some risks but…it's still not quite enough.

The King stared at the pouch that held his future within. His hands trembled, but not from weakness or fear, but from the hatred of himself for what he had an inkling he would do next.

If he's this resolute.

“...I told you, you can't prove a crime without evidence. There is evidence that you tried to assassinate me, but there is no evidence Fernan was involved.”

If you are going to do this you need to make sure you leave no room for doubt.

“Surely you can see that it makes sense for me to assume that everything you've told me is a lie.”

“If you want proof, then I need to find the location where he grew the poison that was used against you. And since there are rumors he's planning to sell the poison on the market, it would need to be a fairly large facility. However, just finding the location won't be enough to prove anything.”

So what exactly are you planning…

“He's cunning enough that he's probably forged paperwork to make it seem like someone else owns the place. So it won't be enough to prove his involvement. So again, it comes back to needing your help.”

I see, if we are thinking the same thing, that will likely work.

“Is that why you took such a risk to come here and see me?”

The King listened as Keith pleaded his case to him. His words, although not elegant, were heartfelt and the king could hear the conviction in them and it made the nearly dead hope in chest begin to stir again.

“I need to do it, to say farewell to the failure I was.”

You've come far my son, but not quite far enough. You will need to deal with much worse than this and I know you will hate me for what I'm about to do….

“On one condition.”

But if I can save all that I love, I will not hesitate.

Tag List: @fang-and-feather, @floydsteeth, @nani-nani-nani, @nightghoul381, @queengiuliettafirstlady. Special tag @notmyara, not gonna lie when I finished this I thought about how you might enjoy it.

[eventinelysplayground]

Writing a book is just arguing with fictional people in your head until one of you cries—and it’s usually you.

[eventinelysplayground]

Posting a fic either tonight or tomorrow from the King of Jade's POV. Feel free to guess which chapter it deals with if you like. This is a bit different from what I normally write but as I was replaying Keith's route I got the idea for this and ya.

[eventinelysplayground]

Fanfic Writers: Director’s Cut

Reblog this if you want readers to come into your ask box and ask for the “director’s commentary” on a particular story, section of a story, or set of lines. 

Or, send in a ⭐star⭐  to have the author select a section they’ve been dying to talk about!

[eventinelysplayground]

Revival of WIP Wednesday

I am alive! I know I was gone for so long but many RL things have happened including lately the loss of family members, both furry and not. Our Princess made it to her 20th birthday though, and a few days past, which for a cat is quite a long life.

I have many wips that need dusting off but I don't want to bite off too much or make any promises. Posts will be what they are whether that's old event fics I never posted/edited/finished or my follower event fics that are not finished but need to be or if it's something new entirely because that's what I felt like.

I hope everyone has been doing as well as they can have been and that things are going good or if not good at least better than they were. I'm looking forward to writing again and hopefully bringing smiles or at least feels to all of you.

[eventinelysplayground]

Unpaid Debt

So this is a fic I sort of write for fathers day. A lot has been going on lately and obviously this is late but at least it's done now. Azel isn't out yet in English but I did read a translation on here (thanks @aishangotome) so that is what I'm going off of for his personality so hopefully I do him justice. A bitter sweet moment between a father and son. WC approx 1065.

Nights were always cold in the desert and tonight was no different. Azel leaned against a pillar looking out across the dunes as the silver moonlight above moved along it like waves almost when his eyes alighted on a familiar solitary figure. They were there almost every night lately, thinking, dreaming, praying, wishing…only God knew what they were doing out there each night.

Azel’s lips quirked to the side briefly before he bent down to pick up a blanket and began to trudge towards the dune. Despite his extreme annoyance and reluctance at the task that lay ahead his movements were as graceful, and silent, as ever and soon he had reached his destination. He stood there waiting for them to speak first but no words were forthcoming from them. After a time his patience began to wear thin and he stared down at his silent companion.

“Have you decided you don't need your limbs anymore?”

“What kind of question is that?”

Azel shrugged.

“Well since you continue to sit out here in the cold…”

“I'll be fine.”

“I don't think you will be, but fortunately for you I just happened to bring a blanket with me.”

“No thanks.”

“You'd say no to a former God's generosity?”

Laughter echoed out into the night and Azel began to pout.

“Since when is anything free or generous with you Dad?”

The laughter continued and Azel's mood was quickly souring even more. Finally the laughter began to subside and as it did Azel sat down on the dune.

“Normally you'd be right, Azem; but tonight…tonight I have a special deal going on for a very limited time.”

Azel turned to face his son who was looking at him skeptically.

“What kind of deal?”

“I'm willing to give you the blanket as well as talk about anything you want for the next half an hour-”

“For?”

Azem was looking even more skeptical now but also intrigued.

“For a very small fee that won't be disclosed until after the half hour is up.”

Azel could tell his son was seriously considering his offer. At last Azem shrugged, his movements mimicking his father's from earlier.

“Fine, you have a deal.”

Azem grabbed the blanket and quickly wrapped it around his shoulders grumbling as he did so.Azel had expected the flood of questions to come immediately but instead the silence returned, stretching out and eating up precious time that he wouldn't reimburse.

His face is still as expressive as when he was a small-

Azel's attention was caught by subtle movement, Azem's fingers running over one of the hidden roses worked into the pattern of stars around the blankets edge.

“It’s strange, I can remember where the roses are hidden but…”

Azem's voice trailed off and his brows scrunched in deep concentration.

“But?”

“I no longer remember her, not clearly any way.”

Azel said nothing and focused on the desert stretching out before them instead. The silence stretched on further and Azel found that becoming problematic as it left him alone in his thoughts.

“She was so foolish, she was disrespectful and always so demanding even though she was in so much debt. In truth she was an absolutely horrible woman.”

A familiar smile that originally belonged to another crossed Azem’s face.

“Only because she made you fall in love with her.”

Azel frowned.

“I was not in love with her, where did you get such a- Kamal!”

Azel let out a sigh, he would deal with Kamal later but for now…for now he saw the wavering emotions in his son's eyes.

“You're mistaken, partially anyways. It's because…because she lied to me. She left me after she promised to remain with me until her debt was repaid in full. On top of that she left almost no instructions on how to take care of a small child making things much more difficult.”

Azem was silent again, his expressive face gone still as his hands pulled the blanket tighter around himself. As Azel watched the fabric move and catch the moonlight he found himself pulled back to a memory.

‘That looks awful.’

‘It’s not done yet!’

‘That won't improve it, you clearly have no talent for needlework.’

‘I know, but that doesn't mean I'm going to give up.’

‘Had you stuck with an infant blanket your lack of skill wouldn't be as apparent.’

‘It may be a bit-’

‘Underwhelming, lopsided, imperfect?’

‘It may be all those things, but that doesn't really matter. Not when it's made with love.’

‘Why did you make it so big anyways?’

Even in his memories her smile was so warm that he could physically feel it.

“You know she lied to me about that blanket too.”

Azel reached out and ran his fingers along the worn fabric.

“She told me she made it with love.”

“You don't think she made it with love?”

“Of course not just look at it. There are so many flaws and such an obvious lack of skill or talent.”

Azem was staring down at the blanket with an angry expression, his fingers white from clutching the edges of it so tightly. He wanted to yell and scream at that moment but a firm hand landed on his head for the first time in many years.

“Your mother's love was incredibly pure, and strong. It was too beautiful a thing to make something so flawed and easily worn down. Especially since the one thing I know for certain she made with all the love she had is beyond comparison. It is strong, beautiful, intelligent, perhaps a bit too expressive but…”

Azem’s body shook lightly as he chuckled silently.

“I know she would be proud of how it has turned out. You are the ultimate symbol and creation of her love…of our love.”

Azel's voice was almost a whisper as he had spoken but he knew Azem had heard him. He gently ran his fingers through those still soft silver locks just as he did when his son was small and needed comfort and reminding of his mother's love. They sat like that for quite some time neither able to speak without tears spilling forth. Eventually Azel’s hand came to a stop and he stood up walking silently away. He hadn't gotten far when he heard his son call out to him.

“Wait, what's the fee?”

Azel kept walking, his pace not slowing as he turned his head ever so slightly over his shoulder.

“Do not worry, I will send you an invoice.”

Tag list: @floydsteeth @fang-and-feather @nani-nani-nani @nightghoul381 @queengiuliettafirstlady. If I missed anyone or ppl want to be added/removed send me a msg or ask or comment.

[eventinelysplayground]

Whimsey Event: For Smut's Sake

An ask event for all 18 or older. Rules, pick a suitor, pick a scenario prompt, and pick a dialogue prompt and I will work my magic to put together a fic for you. Also let me know the level of spice (do you want more suggestive and fade to black or explicit, etc).

Suitors:

Iksen: everyone except Kicho and Ranmaru

ikevamp: Comte, Leonardo, Vlad, Vincent, Theo, Arthur, Mozart, Charles, Faust, Napoleon

ikepri: Leon, Jin, Chevalier

NSFW 18+ content below

Scenario Prompts:

1) mirror sex

2) sex in front of a big window where anyone could glance up and spot them

3) slow sex while one or both are injured (bonus points if it’s after a battle or after they’ve patched up each other’s wounds)

4) marathon session (they just fucking keep going, babyyyy)

5) finding a somewhat private area at a fancy party to fuck (coat closet, empty office, secluded corner on the big balcony, hedge maze if we wanna get dramatic, etc) 

6) oops, we were just hiding in this closet, but then the close proximity get us too turned on not to fuck

7) finding their partner’s sex toy/toys and making them play with it in front of them

8) fucking, but one is still trying to keep all of their attention on the game they are playing

9) getting a little too handsy on the dancefloor

10) library sex for those dark academia vibes

11) jealous sex in the alleyway behind the bar

12) seeing the love marks they left on their partner later and getting turned on all over again remember how it got there in the first place

13) getting turned on by their partner’s new uniform for work and then roleplaying a bit

14) sleepy domestic sex

Dialogue Prompts:

1: "Don't make me take you home and punish you."

2: "You're not going out in that outfit."

3: "Don't give me that look."

4: "Like what you see?"

5: "Try to stay quiet. Understand?"

6: "We're in public you know."

7: "I didn't know you were so sensitive."

8: "Are you sure? Once we start, I may not be able to stop."

9: "Make me."

10: "Bite me."

11: "Come here."

12: "Could he make you feel as good as I do?"

13: "I haven't even touched you and you're already this wet."

14: "Want some help?"

15: "Say it."

16: "I really want to kiss you right now."

17: "How do I look?"

Tag List (and a few people I thought might be interested): @zulablaise @chirp-a-chirp @wistfulwanderingone @tooold4thisish

@limonzu @oda-princess @kisara-16 @tele86

@eventinelysplayground @bjorkshire-pudding @otomewonderland

@obeymetalesandikemen @lovely-bubb1es @lucyw260

@queengiuliettafirstlady @leiaglamela @almond-lebkuchen

@kissmetwicekissmedeadly @fang-and-feather @littlefox1572

[eventinelysplayground]

Birthday Suit.

Well it's our beloved vampire playboy's birthday so Happy Birthday Arthur! To celebrate I've written just a short little fic filled with shenanigans that I hope gives you all a laugh. Theo and Mitsuki's twins are once again causing mischief in the mansion. Purely fluff and comedy, WC approx 999.

Zzzzzz

*Creak*

Zzzzzz

Sea blue eyes scanned the dark room through the slightly opened door.

“Perfect.”

Two more sets of blue eyes joined the other at peering into the room.

“You ready boys?”

“Yes Papa.”

Two little voices responded in unison and Theo smirked before bringing a finger up to his lips then pushing the door slowly and quietly open.

“You came down just in time Theo, these are the last of the pancakes.”

“You should never run out of pancakes hondje.”

“I thought I had made enough but…”

Mitsuki looked around the table somewhat puzzled about where so many pancakes had gone, even with half the residents in attendance it was quite a feat to have finished off that many, but then shrugged and placed the plate of still hot pancakes down in front of Theo.

“There's plenty of coffee still at least, I'll bring you a cup.”

“Thanks hondje.”

“Mama, can I have some juice?”

“Me too Mama!”

“Of course, does anyone else want anything?”

Orders for coffee and tea spilled out from the gathered residents and Mitsuki smiled before heading back to the kitchen. The residents went back to chatting idly about the upcoming day. Just as Theo was bringing the first bite of his pancakes to his lips the low laughter and snickers started and he grinned slightly before putting his fork down and looking up with a serious expression.There was Arthur just inside the doorway, a towel around his waist and mismatched socks on his feet.

“Taking the whole birthday suit thing a little too seriously this year aren’t you?”

At Leonardo's words a round of poorly concealed laughter and sighs went out around the table while two little heads popped up from their pancakes.

“Happy Birthday Uncle Arthur!”

The twins voices rang out in unison with angelic smiles spreading across their faces.

“Thank you boys, now perhaps you can tell me where all my clothes have gotten to?”

“But that would ruin your present!”

“My present?”

Arthur was clearly confused as the boys nodded their heads. Napoleon leaned forward in his chair and looked at the twins.

“What do you mean boys?”

“Well it's Uncle Arthur's Birthday, and we wanted to get him something special.”

“We couldn't think of anything though, then Papa reminded us that Uncle Arthur loves mysteries and solving problems.”

“So we thought and thought and then thought of a scavenger hunt.”

“But a special scavenger hunt!”

By this point Arthur was rubbing his temple while Comte and Leonardo were exchanging an amused look.

“That is an absolutely... splendid idea boys but you've forgotten one very important detail.”

The twins looked between each other then looked at their Uncle.

“Scavenger hunts always have clues to help find the items.”

Realization dawned on the boys' faces and then they were practically jumping from their chairs.

“Don't worry Uncle Arthur, we can write out some clues right now.”

“It won't take us very long so just wait here okay.”

“I wouldn't dream of leaving, not after all the hard work you two put into my present.”

Mozart let out a small smirk at that and Arthur glared at him before flashing the boys a smile as they ran out of the dining room. As soon as they left Arthur sat down in one of their vacated chairs and then he and everyone else at the table turned to stare at Theo.

“What?”

Arthur glared.

“This was your idea.”

Arthur was leaning forward and pointing a finger at Theo.

“How, you heard them they just wanted to do something special for their uncle for his birthday.”

“You put the idea in their heads.”

“Arthur! Happy Bir-”

Mitsuki's voice died as she turned the corner and her eyes went wide.

“If you'd like to see more luv I'd gladly show you.”

Mitsuki shook her head and recovered her voice.

“No thanks.”

“Really? You could count it as my birthday present especially if-”

“That's enough you klootzak.”

Mitsuki placed the ladden tray down on the table and let out a sigh.

“Do I want to ask?”

“Apparently the boys thought that Arthur would enjoy a scavenger hunt for his birthday.”

“So the little piantagranes decided to hide his clothes on him.”

Mitsuki placed her hands on her hips, clearly flustered.

“When would they have even been able to do that?”

“During the night, well morning really.”

“Theo…”

“I knew you had something to do with this!”

“Not my fault you came home so drunk you wouldn't notice people in your room.”

“Maybe this will teach you something about moderation.”

“Stay out of this Wolfie, as for you Theo old boy-”

“What are you going to do to me like that? Not like I'm afraid of worms, especially small ones.”

“Why you-”

“That's enough.”

Le Comte's voice was commanding and it was clear he would have no arguments with whatever he was about to say.

“Theo, do you know where Arthur's clothes are?”

“Nope, like my boys said this was their gift for him I just made sure he was asleep.”

Le Comte let out a resigned sigh.

“I'll let you borrow some of mine until you find yours.”

“Thanks Leon.”

As Napoleon was getting up Le Comte spoke again.

“Well, now that that's settled let's all finish this wonderful breakfast cherie made.”

At Comtes ‘suggestion’ the residents returned to their breakfasts. Just as Theo had brought his fork near his lips again it was snatched away from him.

“Hey!”

It was Mitsuki, she was holding not just his fork but his plate in her hands and looking down at him with a stern expression.

“What are you doing hondje?”

“I'm giving these to Arthur, it's his birthday after all.”

“But they're the last ones!”

“Exactly. You won't be getting any pancakes until Arthur's finished his scavenger hunt.”

“But.”

“No buts Theo.”

Mitsuki walked away towards a smugly grinning Arthur while Theo grumbled as he sat back in his seat, crossing his arms and pouting.

Tag list: @floydsteeth, @fang-and-feather, @nightghoul381, @nani-nani-nani, @queengiuliettafirstlady

[eventinelysplayground]

[eventinelysplayground]

[eventinelysplayground]

Wip Saturday

So I was gone for a bit and am still semi gone, just have so much going on and have had no time or inclination to be around stuff.

I haven't forgotten my two remaining requests for my 100 follower event or my own idea and hope to have them all posted by mid May.

What I'll likely do for the next little bit is just finish my wips and then schedule them for posting once I have several of them. I hope that everyone has been doing well and that you all have a great holiday weekend.

[eventinelysplayground]

writing is hard but coming up with a cunty title and catchy summary will slay even god's strongest soldier

[eventinelysplayground]

Writers: You Can Have as Many Fucking WIPs as You Want

Hey friends. I just wanted to throw this out there because I see a lot of posts from writers lamenting that they’re starting new WIPs without finishing the old ones. Some of this is in the form of memes and jokes, some of it is in the form of updates or confessionals, but there’s always this implication that writers are doing something wrong by starting something new before the old thing is finished, hopping from project to project, or working on multiple WIPs at once. So I just want to say this:

The writing process is not linear.

Bouncing between multiple WIPs is totally okay.

Abandoning old WIPs that you’re no longer interested in is totally okay.

Starting 10 or 20 or 30 stories for every 1 story that you finish is totally okay.

Only wanting to work on something that’s exciting to you (a new thing) and not something you’ve burned out on (an old thing) is totally okay.

I get that feeling like you’re always starting and never finishing anything is a big bummer. But it may help to remember that despite years of capitalist indoctrination, the creative process is not an assembly line.

Sometimes it takes writing 100 pages to realize that your idea is untenable, or that you’re not actually that interested in it, or that you want to take things in a completely different direction with a totally new story.

I’m a published writer and I average at least 10-15 WIPs for each one that I actually finish. It may take me two sentences to abandon it, or 200 pages. And sometimes I come back to them and finish them in the future. But after 20 years of writing my computer is full of barely-started stories that were destined, for whatever reason, to die.

If you’re turning your back on a story that really excites you and you deeply wish you could complete because you’re scared or blocked, that’s a frustrating pattern that’s totally worth trying to fix (I’ll be addressing this problem in detail in a new book I’m working on!). But for the most part, having a ton more WIPs that you actually finish is a completely normal part of the creative process and you don’t need to be so hard on yourself about it. You’re doing great, and I’m cheering for you.

[eventinelysplayground]

This is the second fic for my 100 Followers event. I loved this idea the first time @nani-nani-nani and I talked about it so was grateful for the kick in the butt to finally get it together. As you all may or may not know my Theo & Mitsuki universe is my guilty little pleasure baby so I took great care to make sure it fit my picture of the way everyone would be. As a note I do not speak Japanese (or Dutch) so used Google translate for those bits and I am deeply sorry if they're wrong or just feel grammatically incorrect or chunky.

One note on that is that I am aware ka-chan is more for a small child to say to their mother. I wanted the feeling though of like when we're young adults/teens and our moms embarrass us with love and we go geez mom or mom. I didn't think the more formal usage would work to bring that across so I went with ka-chan, if one of you who speaks/is Japanese knows how I could of done that better feel free to let me know. I hope everyone enjoys! What starts as a good day almost ends in a disaster all because of a misunderstanding. Humorous fluff, WC approx 2470.

A Slightly Dangerous Mistake.

It was a beautiful day in Paris and people lined the streets as they hurried about their daily lives. One particular resident was practically skipping, her brunette ringlets dancing behind her, as she hurriedly made her way towards her favorite patisserie.

As she came around a corner her wide smile fell and was replaced with a look of curiosity. Standing just a few shops down from her was the love of her life talking with a young foreign woman she didn't recognize. Hesitantly she moved closer while remaining hidden amongst the crowd, hoping to be able to hear something of their conversation.

“...Mā, konshū wa sarani ōkina mono ni naru koto o kitai shite imasu.”

“Dōiu imi?”

“Kyō yubiwa o kaimashita-”

The young woman might not have understood what they were saying but she could understand what she saw. The young foreign woman was incredibly excited and leapt into the young man's arms kissing his cheek, her young man's arms, her young man's cheek.

“Kā-chan…”

“Sumimasen, sugoku kōfun shite shimaimashita-”

Chan?

The word hit her like a ton of bricks and she stumbled on her feet.

'Vincent?’

‘Ya?’

‘What does chan mean?’

‘Why do you want to know?’

‘Because your brother's started calling me Madeleine-chan but won't tell me what it means.’

‘God he's hopeless…’

She could remember that day like it was yesterday, Vincent had told her chan was a term of endearment and so she had gathered up her courage and confronted Arthur about it later that same day and they'd been a couple ever since.

I…I don't believe this…

Madeleine's world was crumbling around her as she took another look at Arthur and the young woman. They were smiling at eachother and she was holding his hand as he nodded enthusiastically at something she said. When she first reunited with Vincent and Arthur her father had warned her to be careful. The three had been friends as children, her father and their parents being close friends and all.They were no longer the same innocent children they had been, Vincent already had quite the reputation for himself as being well…but Arthur had always been different, or at least she thought he was until now.

I guess he was just better at hiding it…

Madeleine had started to back up wanting to flee from the scene when she bumped into someone.

“Pardonne-moi.”

“Sorry.”

Their voices overlapped and Madeleine turned around.

Oh just lovely!

“Hey, are you okay?”

A hand reached out to touch her shoulder but she swatted it away.

“Don't touch me Vincent!”

“Oh I'm no-”

“I should have listened to Papa, he warned me, you know.”

“Listen, I don't know what's going on but if you’d just calm down and listen to me for a-”

“You have some nerve, I never want to see you or your brother again.”

“Look I'm-”

Madeleine's hand was just as fast as her mouth; the sound of her slap against his cheek echoing loudly.

“Stay away from me, both of you!”

Madeleine barely registered the look of shock on his face as she turned and ran. It was bad enough she had already been making a scene in public with her temper; she wasn't about to start crying in the streets on top of it.

I can't believe I was so stupid! Everyone told me that I was being delusional, look at how his twin acts and all that but I believed in him. He said he loved me, I loved him, I gave myself to him and he…he…

She hurried through the streets keeping her head down. She felt the tears pricking at the corners of her eyes and she wanted to just get home and throw herself onto her bed. She rounded a corner when she slammed right into someone and she cursed aloud.

“And you kiss my broer with that mouth.”

“Mon Dieu! Why are you following me, I thought I had made it clear I never wanted to see you or your broer again!”

Madeleine glared at Vincent who was just looking back at her in utter confusion.

“What are you talking about?”

“Don't you dare try to play dumb with me Vincent.”

“I swear I have no idea what you're yelling about, so how about you calm down and-”

This time Madeleine's hand didn't connect, it was caught mid air and held in place by Vincent who was now looking not only confused but concerned. The two stared at each other for a moment when another voice broke through.

“Did Vincent say something to upset you Takako-san?”

Madeleine and Vincent both groaned at the same time.

“Dazai my name is not Taka, you know what nevermind it doesn't matter anymore.”

Madeleine pulled her wrist free of Vincent's slackened grasp and brushed at her skirt.

“Too bad I won't be around to see how you butcher Arthur's new girlfriend's name.”

“Arthur's what?”

“Broer’s new what?”

Both men spoke at once and wore equally shocked expressions on their faces as Madeleine looked between them.

“Yes, his new girlfriend. The foreign one, his ka-chan.”

“Verdomde idioot.”

Vincent was visibly angry but Dazai was smiling wide.

“Oh you mean Toshiko-san.”

“Toshiko?”

Madeleine had turned to face Dazai now her face still red from anger and her barely held back tears.

“Yes, she's such a sweet girl and everyone back at the mansion loves her. Though I don't think you need to worry about her. Of the twins Vincent would really be more her type-”

“Okay that's enough Dazai, you aren't helping.”

“How can the truth not help, I mean given Toshiko-sans normal tastes in men-”

“You look like you need a drink Maddy, I definitely do now.”

“I-”

Madeleine wanted to be anywhere other than where she was but one look at Vincent's face told her he wouldn't let her go anywhere alone, plus a drink didn't sound like the worst idea right now either.

“Okay Vincent.”

“Wonderful, there's a nice bar just over that way.”

“What makes you think you're coming?”

“I'll pay for the drinks.”

Maddy looked up at Vincent and she shrugged.

“Why not this whole day, whole year, is ruined anyway, drinking with him can't make it any worse.”

“Fine, but say anything unhelpful again no matter how truthful and I'll knock your teeth out.”

Later that day as dinner was close to finished several mansion residents sat around the table.

“You know that shade of red looks excellent on you Theo old boy.”

“Shut up Arthur.”

“Maybe Jeanie here could teach you a thing or two about dodging vicious attacks from spirited young ladies.”

Jean looked between Arthur and Theo seemingly confused.

“Don't drag Uncle Jean into this Oom Arthur.”

“Besides I'd think that would be more your specialty anyway you klootzak.”

“I must say Theo, telling the young lady to calm down probably wasn't the wisest choice of words.”

LeComte’s voice was as smooth as ever but it was clear he was poking fun at Theo.

“How have you ever managed to stay married this long chap?”

“Listen you-”

“That's enough, both of you!”

Mitsuki and Napoleon had come in with the plates and silverware with the latter depositing his share into Arthur's arms.

“Do something useful and help set the table.”

“Here Mama, let me help with those.”

“Thank you Arthur-kun.”

Mitsuki was just about to hand off her portion of the plates when they all heard the familiar sound of the window opening.

“You really should use the door Dazai-san.”

“This is more fun Toshiko-san, isn't that right Vincent.”

Vincent's head popped over the sill before he quickly climbed into the dining room.

“As if this one hadn't already picked up enough bad habits from a third rate writer.”

“I’ll have you know-”

“Madeleine!”

Everyone froze at Arthur's exclamation except for him and he started hurrying around the table. After she was safely in the window Madeleine let out a sigh and looked around.

“That was fun, oh there really are two of you! That could be dangerous for his health.”

“I'm well aware of that.”

Madeleine blushed in embarrassment as Arthur reached the other side of the table and paused beside his brother whispering in his ear.

“Just how much did she drink?”

“Mmm probably just enough.”

Arthur looked at his twin confused but before he could say anything more Madeleine let out a small laugh then took a deep breath.

“I'm deeply sorry for slapping you earlier, I really should have slapped him.”

Madeleine was half pouting, half glaring as she pointed a finger at Arthur.

“Madeleine I don't understand what-”

“Ah ah ah, don't come any closer and don't you dare try to sweet talk me Arthur!”

Arthur halted his steps and slowly put his hands up.

“Madeleine love, you're clearly very drunk-”

LeComte cleared his throat and shook his head disapprovingly at Arthur while Theo and Vincent both covered their faces with a hand.

“What were you saying Arthur?”

“Uhh…”

Madeleine couldn't hold it back anymore and she began to cry.

“Maddy.”

Madeleine could hear the pain in Arthur's voice and it just made her mad all over again. She had promised Vincent and Dazai both she would remain calm and open minded before they left the bar but she had had enough for one day. Just as Arthur was about to reach her she pushed him away then shook her head.

“I saw you earlier Arthur with her, her arms and lips all over you. Just what the hell were you doing!”

Madeleine was pointing at Mitsuki now and Arthur's eyes went wide.

“Please Madeleine I promise it's not what it looked like.”

“Oh really then what was it?”

“It was, umm…”

Madeleine saw Arthur looking nervously around the room, he was a good liar under pressure but she wasn't in the mood to just go along with whatever story he came up with. Not about this.

“Arthur Leonardo!”

Madeleine stomped her foot bringing his, and everyone else's, attention back to her.

“You tell me the truth right now or I swear I'll climb right back out that window and you'll never see me again!”

“I…”

Madeleine waited what seemed like forever with her arms crossed but then Arthur let out a big breath.

“I'm a vampire, were all vampires. These aren't just my weird room mates, they're my family. Opa is a pureblood whose been alive for well none of us know how long. He made our Papa a vampire after he had died and then years later our Mama traveled through a special door and came here from the future and they fell in love. She was human until we were born when she became a vampire too. Vincent and I are both half vampires and none of us age that's partly why we left when we were younger because people would of started asking questions. Then everyone stayed quiet for a bit until we came back for school and now everybody is their former selves kid or cousin or something Oom Isaac made a whole chart on it. Since it's almost graduation my parents came to visit and I didn't want to lie to you but I couldn't tell you either because it's not like we can just go around announcing we exist to people, most humans don't like vampires since we drink blood and all that. Oh but don't worry, nobody here would ever I promise. We have a blood supply that means we don't need to drink from humans, actually I'm the most dangerous in the room to you if you don't want your blood drank but I've never done it before I'd never do that without knowledgeable consent, I'm not Vincent or my Uncle.”

Madeleine noticed Vincent and his ‘Uncle’, whom she knew until this point as his roommate John, both giving Arthur the dirtiest of looks.

“Mama was just really excited earlier because I told her I'd bought a ring for you to propose tomorrow and when she gets excited she gets super affectionate and then I didn't even think when Papa came up talking about some woman being mad and slapping him I just assumed it was one of Vincent's-”

“Wait wait wait, you bought me an engagement ring?”

Both Madeleine and Arthur were quiet now but soon Jean's very hushed voice was heard.

“With everything he just told her is that what she should focus on?”

Small giggles erupted and soon Madeleine and Arthur were laughing as well.

“Oh, well…yes I, wait do you believe me?”

“As masterful a liar as you are Arthur, which still needs explaining itself, you've never lied to me when it mattered.”

“So that's a yes?”

“Yes, I believe you Arthur.”

“While I'm on a roll then, will you also marry me now that you know the truth?”

Arthur got down on one knee then pulled out a beautiful diamond and pale ruby halo engagement ring from his pocket. Out of the corner of her eye Madeleine could see who she now knew was his mother gripping onto his father's arm and slightly bouncing in place and it made her smile just as much as the ring itself.

“Yes, I'd be delighted to marry you Arthur.”

Madeleine felt herself being lifted into the air as too loud cheers, congratulations and clapping broke out around them. Before she knew it Arthur was kissing her and she found herself melting in the safety of his arms like usual. Just as his tongue slipped passed her lips though he pulled away a bit then put her down on the ground again as he let out a cough.

“Broer, just how much did you let her drink?”

“I'd be more concerned with her lack of food to go with it.”

“Seriously you two?”

“Oh my gosh the food!”

“Hondje, slow down before you hurt yourself.”

Madeleine watched as Arthur's parents went rushing out of the room one after the other. Just then she felt Arthur's lips on the top of her head and she looked up at him smiling.

“Now that you know the truth, the craziness from before will seem tame in comparison to what actually goes on. There is more I need to tell you though, a lot more, but it'll wait for another time tonight let's just enjoy dinner.”

Madeleine nodded in agreement and Arthur began leading her to a chair.

“Okay, truthfully I've had enough for one day already. I don't think I could…wait a minute.”

Madeleine grabbed at Arthur's arm frantically as he was about to sit.

“What is it, what's wrong?”

Madeleine noticed everyone left in the room was now staring at her.

“If you're all vampires, does that mean I can't eat garlic anymore?”

The muffled laughs turned into full on hysterical laughter when Mitsuki and Theo returned with the night's featured soup, aigo bouido.

Tag List: @fang-and-feather, @floydsteeth @nightghoul381, @queengiuliettafirstlady

[eventinelysplayground]

“omg you’re so creative. how do you get your ideas” i hallucinate a single scene in the taco bell drive thru and then spend 13 months trying to write it